Throughout my life, Rihanna has been a huge inspiration to me. I remember just seeing her on the TV, performing or doing interviews, and just feeling so connected to her. In addition to being a baddie, she is deeply rooted and confident in who she is and what she deserves in life. I learned from her that I should always follow my dreams and listen to my heart and embrace all my gifts. She used to always say things that made me go “No, this is what I feel like!”. Along with discovering my love for fashion again, some attributes of Rihanna’s style resonate with what I strive for in my daily life, but also in my designs and style. In my mind, I consider myself Rihanna’s mini-me and best friend because of how similar we are. “It’s ugly until Rihanna wears it,” I feel like that’s how I see myself in my own little world. We share a love of high fashion and streetwear, mixing feminine & masculine cuts, making sure their clothing makes a statement, while also being comfortable. I started designing to create a High-Fashion/Street line (like around varsity, I think it was called Bonnie N Clyde to represent the feminine and masculine partnership within the brand, and the rebellion wrapped all over the style of my brand). In particular, I enjoy thrift stores and the men’s section. I grew up styling my friends and always recreating my clothes, I always had this polar opposite style, making sure I am the most authentic. Having grown up in a family that prioritizes academics over creativity, it took me a while to be confident in my abilities and to love designing. Growing up, I learned how to knit from my grandmothers and I am only now learning how to sew, but I trust in the universe & divine timing, so now is the time for me to realize that dream. Rihanna’s bravery to knock, open & enter every door God presents her with is what inspires me so much to follow all mine, As a girl from a very small town in Free State, South Africa. I am much living through one of my wildest dreams. To conclude this insert my bestie said, “It’s only up from here, no downward spiral.”. I am certainly excited about the future and what the universe is going to do through me. I hope you have enjoyed coming inside my world a little more. Take a moment to listen to some of your favorite Rihanna songs and be inspired by the bravery and talent. <3 Besitos. Valery Kea Mariti